Electronics

Electronic devices have become so much a part of our daily lives that we lose sight of how fragile and delicate they are on the inside. Plenty of tough-looking metal exteriors conceal tiny wires and components that are calibrated to a very fine degree. Collectors of vintage electronics, such as old radios, are well aware of how important careful packing and shipping are when you send or receive an electronic item.

If you have just learned you need to ship electronics, either replacement parts or entire units and systems, you can get a quick, accurate shipping quote right now- day or night- by calling us at 855.322.9684, or you can use our online form. You can even email us a picture of any particularly large or unusual part or item, to give us a good idea of the exact nature of your needs. We can recommend and estimate custom crating and special transportation options. We will get you an accurate shipping quote within 24 hours.

It is unlikely that anything should befall one of our shipments. However, insuring your electronic equipment for shipping is always important. If you are unsure of the exact value, we can provide you with professional appraisers who are fully certified specialists in their fields, who have access to thousands of auction records, and who can provide accurate documentation that will stand up to insurance or legal investigation. Electronics is a broad field and items can vary wildly in value, but we understand that value to you is the top priority.

Electronics

Electronic technology has come a long way since the days of Tesla and Edison. We have electronics in our homes, our cars, we carry them with us and encounter and use them almost everywhere we go. While electronics are plentiful, they are still quite valuable, and many are designed for very specific and special purposes. If you are moving your entire household, an estate, or your business, and electronics are involved, Pack and Post has the ability to assist in the careful packaging and moving.

Home Electronics

Modern life can admittedly be very stressful. We enjoy and sometimes take for granted the devices we use to get through each day, often for recreation and relaxation. Whatever the function, we want the electronics in our homes in great condition, working well.

Stereos, surround systems, radios

Televisions, home theater systems, cameras

Amplifiers and sound recording equipment

Shortwave and ham radios

Security systems and cameras

Home phone systems, baby monitoring equipment

Vintage electronics like old phones, radios, calculators, phonographs

Humidifiers, ambient noise machines, air purifiers

Home appliances

Business Electronics

Few people can remember the world before scanners, automated card-readers, and computerized checkouts. And even fewer would enjoy having to experience that world if a system stops working. In big banking, like national investment houses, even a few seconds of inactivity translates to millions of dollars. In small retail, long lines mean unhappy patrons who may never return. No matter what the application, we will help you pack and ship.

Testing and monitoring equipment

Cash register systems

Banking and teller systems

Restaurant and catering equipment

Printers and scanners, graphic arts technology

Security and surveillance systems

Industrial Electronics

Every industry has numerous electronic systems and support equipment, often so specialized that no one outside of a narrow field would recognize the name of a device. It is all sensitive, fragile, essential and valuable.

Scales, scanners, and testers

GPS and guidance equipment

Dispensers

Digital meters

Bindery and finishing equipment

Printing and cutting machines

Vending machines, ice makers, ovens

HVAC

Commercial lighting

Lasers

Soundboards and switchboards

Services

White Glove Service

Pack and Post offers this, the same level of care we use for museums: protecting sensitive elements and components from dust, humidity, or damage with archival-level handling skills.

Expedited Service

In many situations, an electronic system or part is being shipped because it is needed immediately. A delay or breakdown at work or in a home office can be costly on many levels. In retail or banking, a working machine is crucial to accomplish things to the proper standard of service. We will provide overnight and other expedited shipping.

Custom Containment

Electronics have very delicate internal workings and need extra care. Just one wire or connection out of place can damage a unit permanently. We custom build crates from corrugated cardboard or wood, with double-walls or reinforced padding, to suit any item. We have a variety of padding materials, including acid-free paper. We can wrap your unit in bubble wrap, then suspend that and re-box the entire piece. If an item needs to be partly disassembled, we can provide the team to do it.

Any location or method

Same Day, Overnight, Ground, Air, Rail, and Ocean – whether you need domestic or international shipping, we will have options so you can select the best one for the requirements of your project.

Full service

We provide full retrieval and delivery from and to any location. We can come to your office or home and load directly to minimize the risk of damage. We can unpack and install the electronics at the destination, and take away any packing debris.

Documentation

We can provide full documentation and create a clear record for insurance or legal purposes. This is especially important if you are using a shipping method with multiple legs, such as truck to ship to shore to truck. If your electronics are being moved internationally, we can assist with customs and the many forms and certifications that may be required.

Tips for Shipping Electronics

Calculate the Basics

Do your best to give us the dimensions of your electronic device. If you are shipping a flat screen TV, for example, we need to know the screen size, but also the depth taken up by the base. If it is an old radio, we need to know if there are knobs that stick out and could be damaged. If the electronic unit is a system with many parts, like a cash register and scanner system, we must consider each part which will be packed separately. Using a moving weight estimator can help. Weight Estimator If you need assistance, give us a call; also, let us know if the weight you provide is an estimate (as opposed to actual weight from a catalog, for example.) Knowing the exact dimensions allows us to give you the best packing and shipping quote up front. Sometimes an inch in size can mean a different vehicle or kind of crating will be needed for shipping a unit, other times, multiple units may be palletized, requiring shrink wrap or other materials.

Give Specific Details

Be sure to give us precise details. We need to be sure nothing is damaged in transit. If you want assistance, give us a call any time. Knowing the exact dimensions of your electronics or part allows us to give you the best packing and shipping quote up front. Sometimes an inch in size can mean a different vehicle or kind of crating will be needed for shipping a piece. If the electronic device contains glass or old tubes, that is a consideration we should take up front.

Consider Your Shipping Goals

If you need a piece of electronic equipment to arrive at a site overnight, one service may be better than another. Some may require more loading and unloading along the way. Giving us all the information up front allows us to come up with a good plan.

Learn the Costs

While electronics are not especially heavy in general, they are delicate. We see electronic devices all around us daily, and often take for granted the complexity within….until something breaks down. Dismantling may be the best way to safely transport, with re-assembly upon arrival. Double-boxing is always recommended. That could add to the base cost of transportation. We will be glad to help you understand the details of any quote we provide.

Obtain Insurance

Make sure you have an adequate insurance based on not just fair market value but also the expense of getting another to the location in question. A professional appraiser can help and may provide extra services such as photographing your electronics shipment from every angle before packing to demonstrate condition. Some shipping carriers have coverage limits, and in some cases you may want additional insurance for a special item. Having professionals help can be useful, and Pack and Post can provide help. Although it is unlikely that anything will go wrong with your shipment, it is wise to be covered, just in case.

Know the Rules

Electronics and specialized electronic parts and components often require special handling. Be aware of restrictions and regulations that may affect shipping if your equipment is going to go to an international destination. Each country will have their own specific export, import, and customs regulations. Duties, taxes, and other fees will also vary depending on the locations involved. You will be asked to declare its value and describe it in some detail. Even though we live in a modern world with a global economy, there are still many industrial rules and regulations that require extreme paperwork and investigation when the electronics are for a business or industrial application. It is also important to consider that power cords may need to be adapted to match the standard of another country.

Clear Communication

It is always important for everyone involved in a shipment to be aware of the schedule, especially if the electronic devices are business-related. Someone may be required to inspect the item on its arrival to verify its condition and functionality. If the electronic equipment was partially disassembled for shipping safety, it will have to be reassembled and tested on arrival. Let both your shipping carrier or broker know about special requirements up front, and be sure to give them ample contact information, such as cell phone numbers, email, and land line options for all the parties that will be involved. Notifying all parties of any potential delays, for example, can be not only courteous, but very prudent in a situation where paid experts are standing by at the destination. We can help coordinate this with you.

Types of Companies for Shipping Electronics

Freight

Small electronic devices or parts may be considered “overnight express.” Mid-sized items, depending on their packaging, could be considered “parcel” freight. Shipping with a freight line can be LTL, which means less-than-truckload, indicating that your item will share transport with other items, and may stop at different warehouses and locations along the way. It may be loaded onto more than one trailer as it travels, or shifted as other items are loaded and unloaded. You will also hear about truckload freight, which means you have a truck dedicated only to your shipment and it will go straight from the point of origin to the destination. Air Freight moves more quickly than standard freight, but does not necessarily mean it is flown in an aircraft. When using freight with electronics, it is important to be sure the packing is very good, since there can be some jostling. Measures may need to be taken to stabilize the container. Electronics components can suffer from temperature extremes and humidity, so a truck line with climate control may be required.

Rail

Rail remains a quick and direct way to move cargo. Roll-on, Roll-off options may be available. Some shipping cars will have climate controls, so the electronics can be maintained at a steady humidity or temperature. When domestic rail is used, getting the shipment to and from the stations becomes another aspect of logistics.

Van Lines

Van lines usually use actual vans or trucks which are designed for carrying specific kinds of cargo, but may also employ shipping containers. These will offer packing and crating. Vans often have special fixtures for handling tall boxes and crates securely, padded walls, and come with specialized equipment for moving heavy and awkward objects. You may also need a climate-controlled van if weather is extreme or if the electronics contain elements that are sensitive to changes in temperature or elevation.

Air and Marine Cargo

Often, you may have to choose between these for international projects. Aircraft will provide a swift ride that is usually smooth with a minimum of bumping around, but it subjects your shipment to changes in air temperature and pressure. Electronics equipment is not always extremely heavy, but some components may need to be packaged separately and shipped in a climate controlled area. If your electronic equipment uses a lithium battery, it may not be allowed on an aircraft. Rules for this can vary from country to country.

Marine carriers are usually a smooth ride, but may have air pressure, temperature, and humidity challenges, depending on the route. Cargo ships are often best equipped for loading, transporting, and unloading large crates, with cranes and cradles. In the event of a sea journey, some dis-assemblage may be required to protect the most sensitive components. In every case, there will be an ideal solution, and Pack and Post can help you find it.

Stability

Stability is important in electronics. Many of the components and circuits are tiny, and pressure or a bent housing can cause failure to function. Depending on the size and shape of your electronic equipment, there are a variety of methods for securing cargo. Even electronics that have been carefully packed and are palletized can suffer from cargo shifts en route. Blocks of wood or foam may be used to brace an item to prevent slippage. In some cases, a cargo crate will be suspended above the floor of a hold deck. Synthetic or polyester webbing may be used, and dunnage bags, which are airbags that inflate to hold securely and can be deflated to gently release an item, are another option. Method of transport will also dictate how rough or smooth a ride is. In any case, we can be sure you are aware of all the options available and help you choose the right one.

Since Pack and Post is a professional shipping brokerage, we have access to every kind of carrier in the business. We take your information and then look at the big picture with a complete understanding of what is required to get your electronics and equipment moved. Most importantly, we are experienced in handling and packing electronics, and coordinating the entire project from start to finish.

Pack and Post has over 28 years of experience, contacts all over the world, and all the tools for every job. We are glad to assist you in shipping your electronics. You can relax, confident that every element of the packing, shipping, and even the unpacking and installation at the destination will be considered and allowed for. Call now at 855.322.9684 or use our convenient form for an accurate, professional, personalized quote! Our experience has taught us that every shipment is unique and will require personal, hands-on attention.